BlackBerry starts beta program for Android 6.0 update on Priv smartphone

BlackBerry has entered the beta phase for the upcoming Android 6.0 update to be released for the Priv, BlackBerry’s first smartphone with the Google OS. Interested parties can register and may then be invited by the manufacturer to participate.

The beta program was announced on the blog of the Canadian smartphone maker, with a link to a webpage where users can sign up. Interested parties will receive phased access to the new software, whereby there is no guarantee that everyone can actually proceed with the installation. Furthermore, BlackBerry does not expect major problems in the beta software, although users should keep in mind that not everything may work as expected. Those who access the beta will be asked to report bugs.

BlackBerry is currently in the process of registering interested users for the Android 6.0 beta rollout for the Priv. Registration will close in two weeks and the software will be distributed. Then the beta period will last between four and eight weeks, probably depending on how many bugs are reported. It is likely that after this period the final release will follow soon for all Priv users.

With Android 6.0, the Priv gains access to new Google-developed features such as Now On Tap, a contextual search engine that can be activated by long-pressing the home button. BlackBerry also promises a better battery life by using Doze. Limits background consumption of apps. The manufacturer also adds its own security improvements, as it did before; the Priv currently runs on an Android 5.1 installation to which BlackBerry has added its own security features.